Sports:

The Norfolk High boys basketball team remains perfect. The top ranked in both polls Panthers improved to 24-0 last night by knocking off Bellevue East 68-44 in an A-1 District Semifinal at Norfolk High School. Tyler Hagedorn had 20 points, six rebounds, and blocked three shots to lead three players in double figures in the win. The Panthers, who have already clinched a wildcard, will host Omaha Burke in the District Final for the right to the State Tournament tonight at 7:00. The home team Bulldogs routed Grand Island 68-45 in their semifinal last night. Norfolk whipped Omaha Burke at home on December 13th 54-33.

The Norfolk Catholic boys basketball team’s season has come to conclusion. The Knights dropped a 73-49 decision to fifth ranked in both polls Winnebago in last night’s C-1-4 District Final at Wayne State College. Isiah Medina led four players in double figures for the 24-1 Indians with 17 points as they reach the state tournament for the first time since 1994. Norfolk Catholic’s Matt Miller scored eleven points with seven rebounds while Myles Vrbka added ten points and five boards. The Indians led at halftime 37-23. The Knights’ season ends at 15-14.

Kwifax:

Wham-O Company produced the first Frisbee in 1957

News Briefs:

A federal judge has blocked Nebraska's gay marriage ban, but the decision will not take effect until March 9. U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon on Monday ordered the state to not enforce its ban. Seven same-sex couples filed a lawsuit last year challenging the state's voter-backed ban. Last week, Bataillon heard arguments for and against a motion for an injunction to block enforcement of the ban while the lawsuit is pending. The ACLU of Nebraska hailed the decision as a victory for equal rights.

Gov. Pete Ricketts denounced the federal judge's decision to strike down Nebraska's constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. The Republican governor said Monday that the issue should be left to Nebraskans, and not an "activist judge" subverting their will. Ricketts says he will work with Attorney General Doug Peterson, a fellow Republican, to uphold the current constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2000. The ruling on Monday was immediately appealed to the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The U.S. Supreme Court announced Jan. 17 that it would decide whether same-sex couples have a right to marry under the Constitution. A decision is expected by late June.

Nebraska’s new director of economic development has been on the job for only about three weeks, and her first trip outside of Lincoln was to Norfolk. Brenda Hicks-Sorensen toured the city Monday, visiting with business and industry leaders before attending Monday night’s City Council Meeting. Hicks-Sorensen presented the city with a plaque for being recertified as an Economic Development Certified Community, recognizing preparedness for growth. The certification is awarded by the Nebraska Diplomats and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Norfolk is one of 36 communities in the state to receive the designation.

The board of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District has voted not to allow any new irrigated acres in 2015. Lower Elkhorn General Manager Mike Sousek says the goal is to complete studies of the geology and ground water supply in the district before making any further decisions about adding irrigated acres. But Sousek says a limited amount of additional irrigation could be allowed this year through an expedited variance that currently allows extra irrigated acres to close pivot circles. He says changes to the expedited variances will be discussed this month, and voted on at the March 26th meeting.

The IRS office in Norfolk will be included in a test of appointment-based service as a way to cut down long lines and wait times. The IRS began testing the appointment-based system on February 23 in 10 large centers around the country, and has now expanded to 34 other offices nationwide, including Norfolk's. Taxpayers can schedule an appointment by calling 402-371-1503. The first-come, first-served process typically in place at most IRS offices cannot guarantee when a taxpayer will receive assistance and can force taxpayers to wait in long lines, sometimes with waits of more than an hour. Taxpayer services will continue to be offered without an appointment for those picking up limited forms or making payments. All other services will require an appointment.

Today's Tickler:

Whenever I wear a turtleneck, I feel like I’m being choked by a really weak person